System and method for engaging a driver during autonomous driving mode

ABSTRACT

The present subject matter relates to a method and system maintaining driver alertness while driving mode of a vehicle is changed from manual to autonomous driving mode. The system includes a monitoring module to detect a transition from a manual drive mode to an autonomous drive mode. Based on this, a driver monitoring module gets activated. The driver monitoring module once activated, monitors the driver alertness during the autonomous drive mode. The system further includes an interactive module, which is connected to the monitoring module that gets activated in case alertness level of the driver falls below a first threshold value. The first threshold value may be determined based on multiple attributes. Further, the interactive training program is deactivated if the alertness of the driver is equal or greater than a second threshold value.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Indian Patent ApplicationNo. 201811049551 filed on Dec. 28, 2018. All the above are herebyincorporated by reference. the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to autonomous driving vehicles and moreparticularly related to maintaining driver alertness while driving modeof a vehicle is changed from manual to autonomous driving mode, whereinthe driver alertness is maintained by providing an interactive trainingprogram.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern day vehicle technology is advancing towards higher degree ofautonomous ability. Autonomous vehicles are defining a new era in modernday transportation. Autonomous vehicles either require minimum or nointervention from its driver. There are some autonomous vehicles thatmay only require an initial input from the driver, whereas some otherdesigns of the autonomous vehicles are continuously under control of thedriver. There are some autonomous vehicles that can be remotelycontrolled. For example, automatic parking in vehicles is an example ofthe autonomous vehicle in operation. According to the Society ofAutomotive Engineers (SAE) cars and vehicles in general are classifiedinto 5 different classifications:

Level 0: Automated system has no vehicle control, but may issuewarnings.

Level 1: Driver must be ready to take control at any time. Automatedsystem may include features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),Parking Assistance with automated steering, and Lane Keeping Assistance(LKA) Type II in any combination.

Level 2: The driver is obliged to detect objects and events and respondif the automated system fails to respond properly. The automated systemexecutes accelerating, braking, and steering. The automated system candeactivate immediately upon takeover by the driver.

Level 3: Within known, limited environments (such as freeways), thedriver can safely turn their attention away from driving tasks, but muststill be prepared to take control when needed.

Level 4: The automated system can control the vehicle in all but a fewenvironments such as severe weather. The driver must enable theautomated system only when it is safe to do so. When enabled, driverattention is not required.

Level 5: Other than setting the destination and starting the system, nohuman intervention is required. The automatic system can drive to anylocation where it is legal to drive and make its own decisions.

Autonomous vehicles of Level 3 and onwards let the driver to take awaytheir attention from the vehicle. However, autonomous vehicles facedynamic environment that is the environment keeps changing every time.The autonomous vehicles need to keep a track of lane markings, roadedges, track road curves, varying surfaces that may be include flatsurfaces, winding roads, hilly roads etc. Alongside, the autonomousvehicles also need to keep a check on objects that are both stationaryor mobile like a tree or a human or an animal. While such autonomousvehicles relieve the driver of routine tasks, the vehicle driver mayperceive his driving activity to be monotonous due to this relief, andmay possibly be no longer attentive to the degree that is required forsafe control of the motor vehicle in certain situations.

Therefore, there is a need of an efficient system for maintaining driverattentiveness even while the driver is not participating in thecontrolling of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a systemfor engaging a driver during an active autonomous drive mode within avehicle. The system includes a drive mode monitoring module that isconfigured to detect a transition from a manual drive mode to anautonomous drive mode. Based on this, a driver monitoring module getsactivated. The driver monitoring module once activated then it monitorsthe driver alertness during the autonomous drive mode. The systemfurther includes an interactive module, that is connected to allmonitoring modules that get activated training in case the alertnesslevel of the driver falls below a first threshold value. The firstthreshold value may be determined based on a plurality of attributes.These multiple attributes may be dependent on the condition of the roadbeing traversed by the vehicle, traffic conditions surrounding thevehicle and may be upcoming as well and other atmospheric conditionslike lighting conditions, rain, etc.

The system may also be a device with all the modules, as mentioned inthe system.

Further, the interactive module is configured to initiate an interactivetraining program for the driver, wherein the interactive trainingprogram is designed for enhancing driving shortcomings of the driverthat have been identified by the interactive module. The shortcomings ofthe driver are determined based on a comparison between driving behaviorof the driver, that is continuously monitored, and optimal drivingbehavior corresponding to other drivers stored in a database.

Furthermore, the interactive module could be designed for enhancingtraffic rule knowledge of the driver. The traffic rule knowledge of thedriver is determined based on violations of traffic rules by the driverin the past or by other vehicle drivers in general which are determinedby the processing module along with other related traffic rules.

The interactive module could also be designed for enhancing vehicleoperation error knowledge of the driver. The vehicle operation errorrule knowledge of the driver is determined based on vehicle operationalissues faced by the driver in the past or by other vehicle drivers ingeneral.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor engaging a driver during an autonomous drive mode. The methodincludes detecting a transition from a manual drive mode to anautonomous drive mode through a drive mode monitoring module; the methodfurther includes monitoring driver alertness during the autonomous drivemode using driver monitoring module; activating an interactive trainingprogram through an interactive module, in case alertness of the driverfalls below a first threshold value wherein the first threshold valuefor alertness is determined based on plurality of attributes. Further,the first threshold value may be determined based on a plurality ofattributes. These multiple attributes may be dependent on the conditionof the road being traversed by the vehicle, traffic conditionssurrounding the vehicle and may be upcoming as well and otheratmospheric conditions like lighting conditions, rain, etc. Further, theinteractive training program enhances driving shortcomings, traffic ruleknowledge and vehicle operation error knowledge of the driver.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniquesof the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the presentdisclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part ofthe present disclosure. For a better understanding of the presentdisclosure with advantages and features, refer to the description and tothe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofvarious embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction withthe drawings provided herein. For the purpose of illustration, there areshown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presentlydisclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an autonomous vehicle and its subsystems,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a line diagram of a vehicle dashboard, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a line diagram of a vehicle interior with a projectionmodule, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a system for engaging driver, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of various screens of a vehicle infotainmentsystem, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of various screens of a vehicle infotainmentsystem, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3D is a block diagram of various screens of a vehicle infotainmentsystem, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is flow chart depicting an overall method of engaging driverduring an autonomous mode, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an autonomous vehicle 100 (termed asvehicle 100 interchangeably within the description) and its varioussubsystems, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Accordingto an embodiment of the invention, the autonomous vehicle 100 may be afully or a semi-autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle 100 includesmultiple sub systems to control various important processes andfunctions. The autonomous vehicle 100 may include Engine control module102, Steering control module 104, Brake control module 106, Alertscontrol module 108, Lights control module 110, Handoff control module112, Processing module 114, Sensor control module 116, Navigationcontrol module 118, Lane control module 120, Driver monitoring module122, and Drive mode monitoring module 124.

Engine control module 102 controls various functions and processes of anengine of the vehicle 100. Functions and processes to be controlled maybe speed of rotation, engine condition, servicing requirements, load onengine, power of engine, etc.

Steering control module 104 may help in movement of the vehicle 100. Thesteering control module 104 helps vehicle 100 to be driven andcontrolled in transverse and longitudinal direction. Steering controlmodule 104 may include actuators that may control the steering controlmodule 104 in autonomous mode.

Brake control module 106 of the autonomous vehicle 100 may help inbraking function of the vehicle 100. Brake control module 106 maycontrol brakes of all four wheels using disc or horse-shoe brake parts.The brake control module 106 may also include actuators connected tobrake parts in order to control braking while in autonomous drive mode.

Alerts control module 108 may control various alerts to be providedduring various situations. The alerts may include ranging from servicingrequirement of the vehicle 100 to lane change assist alerts duringmanual and autonomous mode.

Lights control module 110 may control various lighting functions of thevehicle 100. The lighting functions may be for example, switching onlights while ambient light is below a threshold or changing low beam tohigh beam while road is empty and high beam is required due to nightlighting conditions on road.

Handoff control module 112 takes care of drive handling control of thevehicle 100. The handoff control module 112 may be responsible forswitching control of the vehicle 100 to autonomous from manual or viceversa. The handoff control module takes over full control function ofthe vehicle 100 while switching to autonomous mode.

Processing module 114 provides computing power to the vehicle 100. Theprocessing module 114 helps the vehicle 100 in all the calculationsrequired for autonomous, or semi-autonomous driving modes as well. Itmay also be useful in manual driving mode as well wherein the processingmodule 114 may process route calculations, fuel requirements, etc. Inautonomous mode, the processing module 114 may take in data from varioussensors and use the sensor data for efficient drive control duringautonomous drive mode.

Sensor control module 116 collects data from the physical sensorsprovided all over the vehicle 100. The sensors may be RADAR sensors,ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR sensor, proximity sensors, weather sensors,heat sensors, tire pressure sensors, etc. the sensor control module 116in association with the processing module 114 may also calibrate thesensors regularly due to dynamic environment around the vehicle 100.

Navigation control module 118 helps the autonomous vehicle 100 duringactive autonomous drive mode in navigation. In general, the navigationcontrol module 118 may include route calculation, maps, road signidentification etc. for efficient navigation of the vehicle 100.

Lane control module 120 may help the vehicle 100 to control lanechanging and drive within a lane as marked on the road. Lane controlmodule 120 may be take input data from image and RADAR sensors toidentify lanes and help the vehicle to change lanes during an activeautonomous drive mode.

Driver monitoring module 122 collects data about driver during an activeautonomous drive mode, semiautonomous mode and manual mode. It collectsdata about driver like face expressions, eye gaze, emotions, facialidentity etc. Data about driver may be collected using various camerasfacing into a cabin of the vehicle 100.

Drive monitoring module 124 collects data about drive of the vehicle100. The drive may be autonomous drive or manual drive. Data collectedmay be like drive behavior in various situations, various conditions,confidence level, stress induced mistakes etc. Drive monitoring module124 may help in ascertaining drive behavior during the drive that may bekept for records and utilized for improving future drive interactions,and mistakes while driving the vehicle 100.

It is to be noted, that the vehicle 100 may further include some moremodules that may help in functioning of the vehicle 100 and some modulesas mentioned above may be combined together to perform similarfunctions.

FIG. 2A is a line diagram of a dashboard 200 of a vehicle, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The dashboard 200 includes aninstrument cluster 202, an infotainment system 204, Air conditioningvents 206, steering space 208, and a central console 210.

The instrument cluster 202 may include indicators (not shown in figure)for speed, distance, rotations per minute, fuel indications, heatingindications, etc. The infotainment system 204 provides variousentertainment features like music system, navigation, various alerts,etc. to the driver of the vehicle. Air conditioning vents 206 may beprovided in order to control climate of a cabin of the vehicle. Asdepicted, there may be multiple air conditioning vents provided withinthe dashboard 200. The dashboard 200 may also include a steering space208 wherein steering wheel of the vehicle is accommodated. Further,there may also be provided a central console 210 for driver's use likestorage, bottle holders, etc.

FIG. 2B is a line diagram of the dashboard 200 of the vehicle includinga projection module 252 placed near roof of the vehicle 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The projection module252, may be configured to display an interactive heads up display on thewindscreen 254. The projection module 252 is connected to a trainingmodule 312 (to be described later) and a user device (not shown in thefigure) through wireless connection like PAN etc.

The projection module 252 may display the interactive training programon the windscreen 254 fully or partially. Some portion of the windscreenmay be configured to provide certain notifications to the driver forexample, milestone of distance achieved, economy of the car for last 1hour of drive, fuel level, etc. The projected visual is interactive andmay be interacted by simply touching the air space of the visual. Theprojection module 252 determines the various hand and finger gestures todetermine input gestures of the driver. In another embodiment of theinvention, the user device connected with the projection module 252 maybe utilized as a remote control to provide inputs of the driver.

In another embodiment of the invention, the projection may also beprovided on a side of the windscreen so as not to obstruct driver'sfield view. The projection may be configured in a holographic manner andin a see-through fashion that does not hinder the view of thesurrounding around the vehicle for the driver.

For example, the projection may be in a small 7-inch display on the leftbottom of the windscreen. Such a size will enable the driver to interactas well as keep an eye on the road for emergency situations. Theprojections may be HD or non-HD projections to take care ofnon-obstruction of the surrounding view.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the projection module 252may be configured to report an upcoming event to which the driver mustpay special attention to or be ready to intervene in. For example,crowded place notification etc.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the projectionmodule 252 may also be configured to remove the heads-up display in asituation wherein intervention of the driver may be required atappropriate time. or, the heads-up display may be reduced to a smallerpart of the windscreen with small notifications to the driver.

In an embodiment of the invention, the projection module 252 may be astandalone device capable of gathering information about the exterior ofthe vehicle, the interior of the vehicle, projection of information onthe windscreen 254 etc.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a device 300 for engaging a driver duringan active autonomous mode, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The device 300 may include multiple modules like a drive modemonitoring module 302; a driver monitoring module 304; an environmentcondition module 306; a vehicle information module 308; an interactivemodule 314 which includes, a processing module 310, a training module312; a memory 316, and a display 318. The system may also be a devicewith all modules, as mentioned above in the system.

In an implementation, some of the modules such as the drive modemonitoring module 302, the driver monitoring module 304, the environmentcondition module 306, the vehicle information module 308, the processingmodule 310, the training module 312 may include routines, programs,objects, components, data structure and the like, which performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Themodules may further include modules that supplement applications on theprocessing module 310, for example, modules of an operating system.Further, the modules may be implemented in hardware, instructionsexecuted by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof.

In another aspect of the present subject matter, the modules may bemachine-readable instructions which, when executed by aprocessor/processing module, perform any of the describedfunctionalities. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on anelectronic memory device, hard disk, optical disk or othermachine-readable storage medium or non-transitory medium. In animplementation, the machine-readable instructions may also be downloadedto the storage medium via a network connection.

Memory 316 may be without limitation, memory drives, removable discdrives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advancedtechnology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE),IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computersystems interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include adrum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive,redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices,solid-state drives, etc.

Drive mode monitoring module 302 determines, the active driving mode.Driving mode may be manual, semi-autonomous or autonomous. The drivemode monitoring module 302 may accept input from user to activate any ofthe three drive modes. The drive mode monitoring module 302 may be atouch button or a physical button or the like. A driver may provideinput to the drive mode monitoring module 302 to initiation of thedriving mode as required by the driver.

Driver monitoring module 304 is positioned to face the driver of avehicle and monitors presence of the driver. The driver monitoringmodule 304 may be a combination of image sensors, occupancy sensors,thermal sensors etc. In operation, the driver monitoring module 304 maysense presence or absence of the driver. The driver's presence may bedetermined using techniques like motion detection, occupancy sensing,thermal vision etc. The driver monitoring module 304, extractsattributes of the driver, once it is established that the driver ispresent, within the vehicle to identify the driver. Extracted attributesmay include, but not limited to a facial scan, a retinal scan, thermalsignatures, a fingerprint scan etc. In another example, the user'spicture may be taken by the driver monitoring module 304. In yet anotherexample, the driver's driving behavior may be used as an attribute.

The environment condition module 306 acquires information from nearbysurroundings of the vehicle. Various sensors, like RADAR, LiDAR, imagesensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, rain sensors, may beemployed within the environment condition module 306. Information liketraffic, lane markings, pavement, road signs, position of the vehiclewith respect to surroundings, other objects around the vehicle, upcomingbad road conditions, vehicle to server communication, vehicle to vehiclecommunication etc. may be collected by the environment condition module306.

The vehicle information module 308 acquires information regarding speedof the vehicle, or position of the vehicle, etc. Position of the vehiclemay be sensed using a Global Positioning system (GPS) whereas speed maybe ascertained by utilizing speed sensors affixed on the vehicle.

The interactive module 314 includes processing module 310 and trainingmodule 312. The interactive module 314 is configured to initiate aninteractive training program for the driver which is connected to themonitoring modules that gets activated the training in case alertnesslevel of the driver falls below a first threshold value.

The processing module 310 gathers information from the drive modemonitoring module 302, the driver monitoring module 304, the environmentcondition module 306 and the vehicle information module 308 andprocesses the information for further usage. The processing module 310processes information and determines whether to activate the trainingmodule 312 or not. The activation is determined on the informationreceived from the driver monitoring module 304 and the drive modemonitoring module 302. If the drive mode is autonomous drive mode, andthe driver's attentive level is below a first threshold level theprocessing module 310 activates the training module 312. The firstthreshold level may be preset or may be varied by the processing module310 based on the environment information, and the vehicle informationreceived from the environment condition module 306, and the vehicleinformation module 308 respectively. For example, in case of an emptyroad, good road conditions, and average speed of the vehicle, thethreshold level for attentiveness may be lowered however, in a situationwherein there is traffic, speed of the vehicle is over average speed ofsurrounding cars, road conditions not good, or weather conditions notfavorable for driving the threshold level may then be lowereddynamically in anticipation of avoiding a mishap. Furthermore, in eventof driver alertness level being more than a second threshold level, theprocessing module 310 may send deactivation instructions to the trainingprogram.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the processing module 310,may further define driving behavior of the driver by using the drivermonitoring module 304, the environment condition module 306, and thevehicle information module 308. For example, the processing module 310may utilize the driver emotions while driver captured by the drivermonitoring module 304 corresponding to an event within the surroundinglike sudden braking by a car in-front captured by the environmentcondition module 306, or speed of the vehicle gathered by the vehicleinformation module 308. The processing module 310 may also continuouslymonitor and compares the driving behavior of the driver with average orgood driving behavior classified of drivers of other vehicles connectedand stored in a central server accessible to the processing module 310when the device 300 is connected to the central server (described laterin detail). The processing module 310, after comparison, may identifyshortcomings of the driver and may prepare a training program for thedriver.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the processing module310, may further define driving behavior of the driver by using thedriver monitoring module 304, the environment condition module 306, andthe vehicle information module 308. For example, the processing module310 may utilize the driver emotions while driver captured by the drivermonitoring module 304 corresponding to an event within the surroundinglike sudden braking by a car in-front captured by the environmentcondition module 306, or speed of the vehicle gathered by the vehicleinformation module 308. The processing module 310 may also continuouslymonitor and determine the driving behavior with respect to following oftraffic rules that is also stored in a central server accessible to theprocessing module 310 when the device 300 is connected to the centralserver (described later in detail). The processing module 310, afterdetermination, may identify traffic rules violated by the driver and mayprepare a training program for the driver for the identified violatedtraffic rules and other related traffic rules as well.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the processingmodule 310, may further define driving behavior of the driver by usingthe driver monitoring module 304, the environment condition module 306,and the vehicle information module 308. For example, the processingmodule 310 may utilize the driver emotions while driver captured by thedriver monitoring module 304 corresponding to an event within thesurrounding like sudden braking by a car in-front captured by theenvironment condition module 306, or speed of the vehicle gathered bythe vehicle information module 308. The processing module 310 may alsocontinuously monitor and determine the driving behavior with respect tofollowing of traffic rules that is also stored in a central serveraccessible to the processing module 310 when the device 300 is connectedto the central server (described later in detail). The processing module310, after determination, may identify various vehicle operation errorsfaced by the driver and may prepare a training program for the driver toenhance knowledge of the driver about various operational errors andissues that may have been faced by the driver in the past. Further, theinteractive training may include small video tutorials to overcomevarious operational issues indicated by various signs to the driver.

The training module 312, receives activation or deactivationinstructions from the processing module 310. The training module 312, onactivation may connect to the memory 316 for fetching an interactivetraining program designed specifically for the driver of the vehicle.The training program may specifically have a list of questions, withmultiple choice answers, for the driver. In another embodiment, thetraining may be in graphical form or video tutorials. The list ofquestions may be based upon shortcomings of the driver as identified bythe processing module 310. The training program may be displayed to thedriver through the display 318 that may be a screen of an infotainmentsystem of the vehicle. The display 318 may be configured to receiveinputs of the driver. The inputs may be through a touch, physicalbutton, a remote control, voice input, or gesture recognition. Thedisplay 318 may include a circuitry (not shown in figure) like a printedcircuit board (PCB) or an integrated circuit containing appropriatecomponents for receiving and recognizing the driver inputs.

Simultaneously, with providing the training program to the driver, theprocessing module 310 continuously gather the data of driver monitoringmodules to monitor the attentiveness level of the driver. In case theattentiveness level of the driver is still continuously below the firstthreshold level, as defined by the processing module 310, the vehicle isbrought to a halt. However, in case the attentive level is above thesecond threshold level that is predefined only, the training program maybe terminated, or some entertainment program may be displayed.

The driver may receive points for the inputs made in the trainingprogram that may be further used to provide incentives in insurance etc.the driver may also be ranked in a leaderboard based on his score. Ifthe driver is provided with a training program and he still does notprovide any input a warning may be provided to halt the vehicle. Incase, the driver still does not provide any input for a predeterminedtime, the vehicle may be brought to a halt.

FIGS. 3A, 3B displays multiple displays displaying various kinds ofquestions that may be provided to the driver.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for engaging the driver during anactive autonomous drive mode of the vehicle. The order in which themethod is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, andany number of the described method blocks can be combined in any orderto implement the method or alternate methods. Additionally, individualblocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spiritand scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, themethod can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware,or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in theembodiments described below, the method may be considered to beimplemented in the above described system and/or the apparatus and/orany electronic device (not shown).

At step 402, a drive mode transition is detected. The drive mode may bechanged to autonomous from manual driving mode. The transition may bedriver initiated or initiated by the processing module 310 itself. Theautomatic transition may be based on the traffic predictions, roadcondition predictions that the processing module 310 may request fromand receive from the central server. After determination of the drivemode transition, at step 404, driver monitoring is initiated. The drivermonitoring may utilize cameras to take continuous footage of the driverand capture information from eyes of the driver. At step 406, it isdetermined, whether the alertness of the driver is below a firstthreshold or not. If the alertness of the driver is not below the firstthreshold, then the method 400, moves back to step 404. However, if thealertness level of the driver falls below the first threshold then atstep 408, a training module 312 is activated that provides aninteractive training program to the driver. Details of the trainingprogram have been described earlier. At step 410, that may also besimultaneously while the training program is being displayed, thealertness level of the driver is checked by comparing it to a secondthreshold. If the alertness level is still below the second thresholdlevel, then the method 400 goes back to step 408. However, if thealertness level of the driver is equal or greater than the secondthreshold level, then at step 412 the training module 312 isdeactivated.

It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above descriptionhas described embodiments of the present subject matter with referenceto different functional units and processors. However, it will beapparent that any suitable distribution of functionality betweendifferent functional units, processors or domains may be used withoutdetracting from the present subject matter.

The methods illustrated throughout the specification, may be implementedin a computer program product that may be executed on a computer. Thecomputer program product may comprise a non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium on which a control program is recorded, such as a disk,hard drive, or the like. Common forms of non-transitorycomputer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexibledisks, hard disks, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic storage medium,CD-ROM, DVD, or any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or cartridge, or any other tangiblemedium from which a computer can read and use.

Alternatively, the method may be implemented in transitory media, suchas a transmittable carrier wave in which the control program is embodiedas a data signal using transmission media, such as acoustic or lightwaves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared datacommunications, and the like.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined intoother systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen orunanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvementstherein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A device (300) for engaging a driver during an autonomousmode comprising: a drive mode monitoring module (302) configured todetect a transition from a manual drive mode to an autonomous drivemode; a driver monitoring module (304) to monitor driver alertnessduring the autonomous drive mode; and an interactive module (314),further comprising; a processing module (310) configured to activate aninteractive training program in case alertness of the driver falls belowa first threshold value wherein the first threshold value for alertnessis determined based on plurality of attributes, wherein further theinteractive training program is deactivated if the alertness of thedriver is equal or greater than a second threshold value; a trainingmodule (312) configured to receive activation or deactivationinstructions from the processing module (310).
 2. The device (300) asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of attributes is condition ofroad, traffic conditions, atmospheric conditions.
 3. The device (300) asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the interactive training program enhancesdriving shortcomings of the driver identified by the processing module(310).
 4. The device (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein theshortcomings of the driver are determined based on a comparison betweendriving behavior of the driver that is continuously monitored andoptimal driving behavior corresponding to other drivers stored in adatabase.
 5. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein theinteractive training program enhances traffic rule knowledge of thedriver.
 6. The device (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the trafficrule knowledge of the driver is determined based on a violations oftraffic rules determined by the processing module (310).
 7. The device(300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interactive training programenhances a vehicle operation error knowledge of the driver.
 8. Thedevice (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the vehicle operation errorrule knowledge of the driver is determined based on a vehicleoperational issues faced by the driver in past or by other vehicledrivers in general.
 9. A method for engaging a driver during anautonomous drive mode comprising: detecting a transition from a manualdrive mode to the autonomous drive mode; monitoring driver alertnessduring the autonomous drive mode; activating an interactive trainingprogram in case alertness of the driver falls below a first thresholdvalue wherein the first threshold value for alertness is determinedbased on plurality of attributes, wherein further the interactivetraining program is deactivated if the alertness of the driver is equalor greater than a second threshold value.
 10. The method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the plurality of attributes is condition of road,traffic conditions, atmospheric conditions.
 11. The method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the interactive training program enhances drivingshortcomings of the driver identified by a processing module (310). 12.The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the shortcomings of thedriver are determined based on a comparison between driving behavior ofthe driver that is continuously monitored and optimal driving behaviorcorresponding to other drivers stored in a database.
 13. The method asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the interactive training program enhancestraffic rule knowledge of the driver.
 14. The method as claimed in claim13, wherein the traffic rule knowledge of the driver is determined basedon a violations of traffic rules determined by a processing module(310).
 15. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the interactivetraining program enhances a vehicle operation error knowledge of thedriver.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vehicleoperation error rule knowledge of the driver is determined based on avehicle operational issues faced by the driver.